The task for Newcastle United Sporting Director is simple | OneFootball

Freshen the squad, the task for Paul Mitchell (Newcastle United Sporting Director) is simple.

At the time I am writing this, I am pretty sure that we might not be getting any player soon, keep our powder dry and plan on refreshing our squad for next season.

At this point, it seems unlikely that Newcastle will make any signings before the window closes. The club appears to be keeping its powder dry, likely planning a squad refresh in the summer instead.

We all remember what happened last season when injuries left us down to the bare bones and a lack of quality depth cost us dearly. That said, if Manchester United hadn’t fluked their way to an FA Cup win, Newcastle United would be now playing in Europe, which with our current squad, might have stretched us too thin and led to history repeating itself.

Like many fans, I’d love to see new faces to strengthen our push for a Champions League spot by finishing in the top four or five (as it looks very likely a fifth CL spot is going to come the way of the Premier League for next season’s Champions League competition). New faces in this window seems unlikely right now.

The injury problems Arsenal and Spurs are facing, along with the struggles Man United have had adapting to Amorim’s system, highlight just how good a manager we have in Eddie Howe. Dragging us to seventh despite our challenges was no small feat, we’re lucky to have him.

Since I’ve resigned myself to the likelihood of no January signings, the summer window will be the real test of whether Paul Mitchell is the right man to be Newcastle United Sporting Director and lead our recruitment.

I have put together a list of the Newcastle United players who in my opinion, I’d like to see stay or go as part of a refreshing of this NUFC squad.

Not for sale

Isak

Tonali

Hall

Livramento

Gordon

Miley

The biggest question mark here is Lewis Miley, not in terms of selling him, but regarding his role in the squad. What kind of player is he meant to be? He’s clearly talented but what’s his best position? The closest comparison I can think of is a young Michael Carrick. A season-long loan might do him good for long-term development, rather than getting only occasional minutes in the first team, provided we have enough cover in midfield.

Useful to keep

Burn

Krafth

Burn is excellent this season in the right position but next season he will turn 33. These are the players that I think will retire with us, does not cost much salary wise and could play at top level, at a minimum, next season if we qualify for a European place. Krafth could play in Schar’s position if needs be and is a dependable player that does not cost much to maintain.

Price is right

Guimaraes

Botman

If we absolutely had to raise funds and the offers were double or triple what we originally paid, these two would be the reluctant choices. If PSR forced our hand and I had to pick between selling one of them, or letting Arsenal throw money at us for Isak (as Paul Merson and others dream of), I’d rather part ways with Bruno or Botman, though ideally, why should we? Besides, coming from Sweden, I doubt Isak can acclimatise to the weather in London quickly anyway.

Might sell, don’t have to

Barnes

Pope

Kelly

Osula

Joelinton

Harvey Barnes is the type of player who needs regular game time to perform at his best. If we qualify for Europe, he’ll be useful. The same applies to Joelinton. Eddie Howe rates him highly, but if we need to raise funds, he’s one of our more valuable assets. At 29 next season, this might be the last chance to get a big fee for him before his value declines. I believe that Joelinton is still valuable to us, but player trading is the way to go, especially when we need money for ready-made first eleven.

Could be sold

Targett

Vlachodimos

Longstaff

Willock

In their current form, it’s hard to see these players breaking into the starting XI consistently. Howe has often turned to Longstaff and Willock when we needed something off the bench but we know that they can’t affect change. Fresh pair of legs yes, but to change the game flow, maybe not.

Some criticise Eddie Howe for sticking rigidly to a 4-3-3 but I suspect the real issue is personnel rather than formation. That said, Longstaff and Willock could still start for several Premier League teams, and it would be fair to let them move on while they still have value, before it is too late career wise.

Free transfer

Wilson

Trippier

Dubravka

Each have their own reasons, namely injury, but good enough to play elsewhere. They have been great servants to us, especially during the dark days, and deserve to be treated with respect. I suspect Lascelles and Dubravka might stay if we qualify for Europe and their future will depend on whether we could find an able replacement for them.